Sources of Stress and Happiness Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak has spread across the globe. Most research has focused on the adverse impact on people’s mental health amidst the pandemic situation. This study aimed to explore the lay belief and awareness about COVID-19, sources of stress, and happiness amidst the first lockdown in India, using a semi-structured interview schedule. The study sample consisted of 97 healthy community-dwelling participants.  Results revealed that all the participants had an adequate understanding of COVID-19. The major sources of stress were missing socialization, disruption in routine, lack of novelty, and financial instability. Despite all the difficulties, participants explored several ways to find happiness like spending quality time with significant others and self, leisure, and engagement in new learning. Gender related variability was also found. Overall, the study emphasized that sources of happiness remain same in such adverse scenario and how they may help preserve mental health during unprecedented difficult events.